Thieves used gas for explosion which blew up cash machine

Thieves who blew up a cash machine in a blast which rocked houses used gas to cause the explosion, police have said.

It happened at a Co-operative Bank cashpoint outside the Matalan store on Neasham Road, Darlington, at around 1.20am on Thursday.

Debris, including anti-ram raid bollards, was sent flying across the car park as the blast destroyed the stand-alone kiosk containing the ATM.

Detectives believed cash was stolen in the raid but were unable to confirm that in the hours after.

Inspector Chris Knox said: "Following our ongoing investigation into yesterday's explosion at a cash machine in Darlington, I can confirm that we now believe the blast was caused by gas which was ignited."

He said inquiries were continuing and anyone with information was asked to call 101.